Academic Training Overview
Students in J-1 status may accept employment under certain conditions. If you have questions about or would like to determine your eligibility for J-1 employment, please contact Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS).
Academic Training is authorization that allows a student to participate in practical training directly related to the major field of study.
Eligibility
- Students must be in good academic status
- Employment while on Academic Training cannot be more then 40 percent remote/virtual and 60 percent must be in-person employment.
- For example: In a five-day work week, at least three days must be onsite working in-person.
- If employed at the same time of a program of study
- Academic Training can begin as soon as the first day of the program of study.
- If employed following a program of study
- Academic Training must be authorized prior to the last day of the program of study.
- Academic Training can start as late as 30 days following the program of study.
Please view the Academic Training Tutorial for more information
How to request Academic Training authorization
Fill out the Academic Training request form found in iGlobal
- Upload your employment offer
- Enter information for your graduate coordinator, major advisor, or EAP on-campus advisor (see eForm for details)
- Make sure you have a Social Security Number
You will be notified by email when your Academic Training request has been processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much Academic Training can I request?
Use the Academic Training calculator to determine your eligibility.
1. EAP and other non-degree category students can request Academic Training up to the length of their program. (i.e., 3 months of study = 3 months of eligibility).
2. Degree-seeking bachelor’s and master’s students can request up to 18 months of Academic Training.
3. Students in STEM programs completing their degree on or by December 31, 2024, can request up to 36 months of AT if they are in four-year bachelor's programs and up to 24 months if they are in two-year master's programs. Students in STEM programs wishing to request the additional Academic Training should speak with their SISS advisor first.4. Doctoral students can request 18 months of Academic Training and then upon completion of their degree can request an additional 18 months; for a total of 36 months.
- What if I am a graduate student with a 75% appointment?
- All J-1 students in good standing may be authorized for on-campus employment authorization. Employment is limited to 20 hours a week (50%) except for official school breaks and the student’s annual vacation, when it may be full-time. During the academic terms, 75% appointments are not allowed.
- Can I work remotely or virtually for an employer on Academic Training?
- Academic Training allows for remote/virtual employment up to 40%. 60% must be on-site in-person employment.